Sigma launches DP3 Merrill with Foveon sensor and 75mm (equiv.) lens

Sigma has announced the DP3 Merrill, the latest iteration of the company's enthusiast large sensor compact camera. Nearly identical to the earlier DP Merrill models, this camera features the familiar 15x3MP APS-C Foveon X3 sensor, but it is now mated with a 50mm (75mm equiv.) F2.8 lens. The lens lends itself to portraiture and, with a minimum focus distance of 22.6cm, offers respectable 1:3 magnification. Video recording is still limited to VGA resolution but the DP3M can shoot at up to 4 frames per second for 7 frames in Raw.

Press Release:

The Sigma DP3 Merrill, the latest in the series of compact cameras incorporating the 46 megapixel Foveon X3 direct image sensor.

SIGMA DP3 Merrill

LAS VEGAS — Jan. 7, 2012 — Sigma Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the new SIGMA DP3 Merrill, featuring a 50mm F2.8 lens, will join the lineup of the “SIGMA DP Merrill” series. The SIGMA DP3 Merrill is the next generation of high image quality compact digital cameras. Equipped with the Foveon X3 image sensor, the DP3 Merrill ensures outstanding resolution and natural rendering with rich gradation as well as a three-dimensional feel.

Featuring a high performance 50mm F2.8 lens (a focal range equivalent to 75mm on a 35mm SLR camera), the SIGMA DP3 Merrill offers incredibly high levels of optical performance and takes in every detail of the subject's information. This state of the art lens also offers enhanced macro functionality as well.

The SIGMA DP3 Merrill completes this series of compact cameras by satisfying the mid-telephoto and macro range shooting. The SIGMA DP1 Merrill is designed for wide angle images, the SIGMA DP2 Merrill is for standard range, while the DP3 Merrill rounds out the series with a camera for all shooting situations.

Key Features

• 46 megapixel, 23.5×15.7mm Full-color Foveon X3 Merrill sensorThe 23.5×15.7mm full-color Foveon X3 direct image sensor (Generation name “Merrill”), featured in the SIGMA DP3 Merrill, incorporates 46 effective megapixels (4,800×3,200×3 layers) and 44 recording megapixels (4,704×3,136×3 layers). The Foveon X3 direct image sensor captures all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel location with 3 layers, ensuring the capture of full and complete color. Since color moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning light and color are captured by the 46 megapixel 23.5×15.7mm full-color X3 Merrill sensor with a three-dimensional feel.

• Exclusively designed high performance 50mm F2.8 lensThe high-performance 50mm F2.8 lens has the equivalent angle of view as 75mm on a 35mm lens, and it has been designed exclusively for the SIGMA DP3 Merrill to maximizes the sensor performance. The use of Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass accompanied by aspherical lens elements not only compensates for a variety of aberrations, but also allows for a more compact size. The superior telecentric optical design improves image quality throughout the frame by passing on information about subjects to the sensor. The DP3 Merrill has a minimum focusing distance of 22.6cm (8.9”) and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3, which can offer quality macro shooting. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, ensuring sharp, high contrast image quality even under severe conditions such as taking photos against or towards the sun.

• Advanced User InterfaceThe custom quick set menu and the metallic command dial are incorporated to improve usability. The diaphragm, shutter speed and menu can be changed quickly using the command dial. The Quick Set (QS) menu which consists of the most commonly used functions can be easily displayed by pressing the QS button. It allows photographers to change the menu content and the order depending on their preferences.

• Capable of 7 frames continuous shootingA large volume buffer memory enables the camera to capture up to 7 RAW images per sequence in continuous shooting mode. Using the high speed data transfer and processing, the SIGMA DP3 Merrill features a continuous shooting speed of up to 4 frames per second. In addition, depending on the situation, it is possible to capture up to 5 frames per second and up to 14 images per sequence in continuous shooting mode in Medium and Low image quality mode.

• Easy to use auto focusThe SIGMA DP3 Merrill features a “9 point select mode” which can select the desires focusing point from 9 different frames and “Free move mode” which can move the desired point as you like. User friendly, the new “Face Detection AF”, prioritizes focus on the face of the subject when detected by the sensor. “AF Limit Mode” can adjust the range of auto focusing and “Shutter Priority AF” offers faster focus adjustment by stopping the live view to increase the speed of the auto focusing. The new AF+MF mode adjusts the focus manually after verifying the AF by rotating the focus ring.

• Manual FocusManual Focus is available for use when autofocus or focus lock is not desired. It is possible to use the focus ring for focusing just like an SLR camera. It is also possible to magnify the display to ensure precise focusing.

• RAW+JPEG format recordingThe SIGMA DP3 Merrill features a RAW data recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality captured through the direct image sensor, plus a JPEG recording format for convenience. The RAW data format provides pure data for high-resolution images, and uses lossless compression for more compact, yet uncompromised, data files. The RAW data format of the camera keep brightness and color data in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. When the image is processed in SIGMA Photo Pro, it will preserve the balance of the natural data for the best photos with the best image quality. It offers better usability as the RAW data and JPEG data are recorded simultaneously in Monochrome Mode.

• Large, highly visible 3.0” TFT color LCD MonitorThe SIGMA DP3 Merrill features a 3.0 inch TFT color monitor which ensures great visibility even outside in the daytime. This approximately 920,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to capture detail and to check focusing and composition.

• Hot ShoeThe SIGMA DP3 Merrill is equipped with a hot shoe, allowing use of the dedicated external flashgun EF-140 DG (optional) as well as SIGMA electronic flashguns for SD series such as EF-610 DG Super (optional) and EF-610 DG ST (optional).

• Movie ModeMovies can be recorded with VGA (640×480) size. The number of shooting frames per second is 30 frames.

• ISO Sensitivity can be set by 1/3 StepISO sensitivity can be set from ISO 100 to ISO 6400. By setting the range to 1/3 EV steps from the default 1 EV steps, it is possible to set the sensitivity to ISO 125 or ISO 160. ISO AUTO, where the camera automatically sets the ISO sensitivity according to brightness of the shooting environment enables you to set the upper limit and lower limit depending on your shooting style.

Comments

I've had them all, from Leica to CaNikon, Fuji, Sony. The Merrill's are the best of the bunch. If you want deep colors, roundness, tons of detail without looking fake/digital, the Merrill is the way to go. The best Leica lens I've had was a 28mm 2.8 R E55, probably in the top 3 best lenses ever. The DP2M lens is on par, if not better, than the Leica lens and all (including the camera) for a mere $799. In Leica world that buys the caps, hood and the box. The 28mm alone costs $2500. For $2k I have a DP1X a DP2M and a DP3M. I'm set for years to come unless Sigma comes with a Foveon body with interchangeable lenses

If only Sigma could find the investment of type needed to address the problems of data handling --to cure the lack of speed in processing and give us High definition output on a HDMI socket. Their Foveon sensor has the edge on resolution, but I will not be purchasing a camera until J-peg images are available processed to the standard available out of the camera. I seem to remember reading a few years ago that windows was developing a lose-less high compression equivalent to j-peg, which would be a perfect match for Sigma ..

If the image quality is up to the standard of the previous DP Merrills, this will be a great camera for professionals who need this focal length.

Usability has really improved since the original DP1. I've owned a few DP models over the years, and the DP2 Merrill is the first whose handling and overall responsiveness feels competitive with other brands' recent efforts.

In terms of per-pixel sharpness, the DP Merrills beat any APS-C sensor cameras out there, regardless of price or size.

As for the cost of buying three Merrills? Consider the cost of owning a Fuji X-E1 or X-Pro1 with the three available primes (which happen to be approximately the same effective focal lengths); it's the same, or actually slightly more, in cost plus you're still left with just one camera body.

No, you will have gone through 2-3 bodies in 10 years, to go with those 3 primes. The last couple of years you use them on a body 2 generations better than the current. By that time the three DP bodies look antique.

Sigma could produce cheaper version of sensor - 10 MP (10*3=30 MP) and offer TWO new EVIL cameras with 10 and 15.6 MP and offer a lot of lenses for such system without any problem....But they produce strange DP cameras.To use wide-angle - need one camera, to use short tele - another and to use standart - need to buy the third one...Absurd. IMO. Sigma, make DP based EVIL system with a lot of lenses and it will be cool!!!

Sigma, what's wrong woth you? Just make dp camera with mount, that's it. And please, we all know foveon get's very hot etc, but if you can't make camera, that can take pictures over iso 800 and make hd movies, which can last mora than 10s, than sorry: just start buying sony sensors, like nikon does..

Foveon is great sigma makes great lenses but this concept is simplyso stupid. Theycold have simply made a mirrorless with three lenses but. I understand they couldn't have earned 1000 dollar. Each lens like now. I mena a 50 2,8 macro is the cheapest macro lens in any brands, sigma does one for less than 400 dollar. And has super review.

I love how sigma looking at the photograph. Photography is not a video, so640x480 would not why. With ISO well. really need to focus speed edit! Secondly need a larger battery! manual focus Sigma DP1 and DP2 is better, faster. It is very embarrassing to have accessories from the dp series is not dpm series ... ?But the camera is good, it is possible to have everyday, and get great photos without a lot of ammunition. DPM series more for shooting objects or people photo studio ... But what I want to say that I respect the sigma approach to photography. sigma neither more nor less, and the only photograph must be taken, it is not point and shoot, but it is possible. I recommend you think twice before buying :)my dP2 Merrill photos:https://plus.google.com/photos/105926143532962070605/albums/5826215923446736209?authkey=CLyC88q78I6nkAE

"photography in its purest form"? Uh, sure...do you write ad copy for Sigma for your day job?

I'm not going to say that these cameras aren't a good choice for certain photographers..there's a certain elegance to the minimalism and something admirable about Sigma's stubborn attempts to do something a little different than other camera-makers. One really has to dig the Foveon benefits though to forgive some of the impracticalities.

As a Pentax Q owner I know that some cameras or camera systems just aren't for everybody...and there's no reason to get offended by a camera you're not personally interested in.

Is this Sigma marketing idea to boost their sales? In order to get DPM system one would need to purchase three lenses, three bodies, three sensors, three batteries, not to mention accessories like three fast memory cards, three grips, etc, etc. All for over $3,000. And in addition you would need something else for sports and low light photography (maybe there will be DPM4 and DPM5 for that). And with every new model you would have to start from scratch all over again. Interchangeable lens approach sounds much more economical from consumer stand point IMO.

I have the DP2 and its pretty darn good for what it is. I do prefer my Hasselblad H4D-31 though the Sigma comes close in IQ. I could see owning a DP1/2/3 trio and traveling ultra light though. 3K barely buys one HC lens.

I think the K-01's output is probably not so far off while having some benefits in terms of versatility, video, and maybe even ergonomics (subjective) as well...so you really have to like what that Foveon sensor's going to give you to justify it. For something close to the cost of a DP? Merrill you could get a K-01 + DA40/2.8 + either DA21/3.2 or DA70/2.4.

Another system one might compare is the Fujifilm XE-1, where you could buy into a two-lens system for a cost fairly close to what a pair of DP? Merrill's. The Fujifilm and Sigma share a common attribute though -- somewhat limited support for their RAW files.

DPM compacts have an approx. resolving power of 20-23 MP, so in this respect are indeed preferable to a 16MP K-01. You must really need the extra 4-7 MP to justify the triple cost and all the weaknesses of a DPM. In any other respect a DPM is a pain to use and you must be downright biased to regarded it higher than a modern 16MP APS-C.

That would be a very expensive exercise. No, thanks. I owned a DP2 and although thoroughly enjoyed the very attractive base ISO IQ advantage and well designed compact body I could not stand missing a very large percentage of shots due to either slow AF or unacceptable IQ in higher than ISO 400.

That would be a very expensive exercise. No, thanks. I owned a DP2 and although thoroughly enjoyed the very attractive base ISO IQ advantage and well designed compact body I could not stand missing a very large percentage of shots due to either slow AF or unacceptable IQ in higher than ISO 400.

That would be a very expensive exercise. No, thanks. I owned a DP2 and although thoroughly enjoyed the very attractive base ISO IQ advantage and well designed compact body I could not stand missing a very large percentage of shots due to either slow AF or unacceptable IQ in higher than ISO 400.

That would be a very expensive exercise. No, thanks. I owned a DP2 and although thoroughly enjoyed the very attractive base ISO IQ advantage and well designed compact body I could not stand missing a very large percentage of shots due to either slow AF or unacceptable IQ in higher than ISO 400.

I guess this was a 'quick and dirty' solution to the lack of lens exchangeable mirror-less camera in Sigma portfolio. I would not be surprised if such a camera would appear in the future. And if Sigma improves on ISO and AF performance - it could be a very interesting option.

This may not be such a dumb idea. If a person buys one and wants the same level of detail but with a different lens, well, they'll just have get a second camera, and a third. And being that this is Sigma, a little redundancy might not be a bad idea, either.

Aha was thinking about a new Sigma DP the other night, wondered if they would do a super wide 12 or 14mm version. Oh well 50mm for the 3, perhaps 12mm for the 4. Although I have a vested interest I want some more Sigma primes for the Sony NEX as the excellent spin off in lenses, particularly the 30mm.

I am sure many people would like a fast, short macro telephoto lens on their compact, but not as the ONLY focal length option, ever. One focal length is workable when it's normal to slightly wide, but not at 75mm equiv.

Since Sigma has already a macro-lens (AML-2) for shooting from as near as 20 cm there is no real need for a dedicated macro like the DP-3M.I nurtured the hope to get some converters (the screw-in type) to get more range out of the existing Merrills. (Olympus and Panasonic went this way).For portrait-shooters there is no need for that ultimate corner to corner sharpness of a new body - so a simple converter would have been cheaper and better...An ultra-wide-angle Merrill on the other hand has more interest for most people. Wider than the DP-1M would mean easier panos and better city-scapes.

Sigma already stated that their DP-series are now completed. They serve wide angle with the DP1M, standard photography with the DP2M and now portrait, close-up, macro and reproduction with the DP3M. Got it?!

Close-up AND macro, solarsky ? Close-up, yes, at 1:3 ratio - but certainly not macro. As for "reproduction", well isn't all photography "reproduction", but if you mean in the sense of copying small items such as slides then, once again, no. A magnification of 1:3 would be insufficient for most reproduction purposes, unless you wished to reproduce items larger than a bank note.

Again, some here do not know what they say, especially concerning ISO. I shoot Sigma and got absolutely beautiful photos even at ISO 800 and some at ISO 1600. I even have pretty good results even in direct B&W jpeg at this High ISO settings.

Reviews with actual photos are available for comparisons. Most of us have seen them, hbowman, and the results are not pretty at those ISOs. If you get the occasional usable shot you're very lucky, or forgiving, or shooting pictures of confetti storms. I wish they didn't have this limitation, but it appears unavoidable. Silicon is not an ideal filter material.

Finally a SERIOUS dedicated close-up camera without interpolation sensor. Sigma certainly have it all covered now with their DP1M, DP2M and now DP3M. It'd be great if they offered the whole bunch of them in a bundle (kind of like the Fuji X100 Black Limited Edition with all the necessary extras) at a slightly lower total price as to having to buy all the stuff separately.

I don't think 'toy' was meant in the context of toy camera, but rather a want instead of a need. I agree that an amateur (who could indeed be very skilled and a buyer of expensive equipment) is less likely to be interested in this camera as it fills a very specific niche. In my opinion that niche is product photography - don't need a viewfinder, AF isn't an issue, don't need true 1:1 macro, buffer is a non issue, price is similar to a high end macro lens, no moire/low pass filter, etc.

DO you really have a Leica Macro-Elmarit "And hundreds of other lenses" ? You must be a lens company owner... perhaps you should buy out Sigma and get them to make the camera that you so dearly want ;-)

Why not? You probably think everything Leica is too expensive...:) I must assure you it´s excellent lens for $800. If you want cheaper one, you can buy used one on Ebay for $650.And hundreds of other lenses you can buy and use on M43 mount with adapter...

Each pixel site records red, green, and blue simultaneously. So there is no interpolation and no anti-aliasing filter. But don't be fooled, there are only 15 million pixels. They claim that with no interpolation or AA filter and because each pixel does the job of 3 that you can enlarge the image to 45mp with no loss of quality, but in reality it's more like 30. That's still impressive though, especially in a package this size.

No exactly: What Sigma claims is that their sensor delivers about the same resolution as a classic/Bayer 30 mp sensor, see this article: http://www.dpreview.com/news/2010/10/5/SigmainterviewThe sensor has 46 million photodiodes producing 15.4 million full-color pixels.

Per Marek: Better than ANY other camera with traditional sensor ?? What a load of absolute crap. Most recent Medium Format backs will positively destroy the Sigma, and even the lowly Nikon D800e is better (downsampling the D800e for smaller print sizes dramatically increases the "per pixel sharpness" and at larger print sizes, it's not even close).

Well, by its specifications I guess the lens is more designed for macro than portraits, but I bet there won't be sharper and more detailed portraits than the ones taken by this DP3m. Per-pixel sharpness and detail reproduction of DPXm series (at low iso) is out of this world. Shame the poor high-iso and weird color blotches... When Sigma will solve that...

75mm... yawn. Time to get real, Sigma!I still remember when I used, rather tried to use, a Nikkor AF 50mm 1.8D on a aps-c Dslr and didn't find 75mm to be very useful even though it worked, if I really wanted. Eventually I ended up buying Nikkor 35mm 1.4 Ai to have a decent "normal" 52mm for that dslr and since complete it with a Sigma 24mm 2.8 macro. Both two excellent lenses.

I wonder if 4 fps for 7 frames means that the camera will lock up completely for 15 seconds afterwards. One of the annoying things about the DP1 was speed. Apart from that, I really liked it. The detail on the screen was just amazing. And it was tiny. When I had a DP1, I certainly would have preferred a 50mm equivalent lens, though.

One significant difference now, however is there are so many other good options in the market segment. When the DP1 was released, it was the first large-sensor compact. Now it has to compete with interchangeable lens cameras with SLR shooting speeds.